The surname of ABBAT was a baptismal name 'the son of Abraham', a favourite font name during the 13th Century. The name was also an official name 'the abbot' the holder of such an office. Early records of the name mention Alfwoldus Abot, 1117, County Norfolk. Walter Abbott was recorded in the year 1200, in the City of London. Henry Abbod, of the County of Oxford was documented in the year 1273. Marageta Abbot of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Edward Sanders and Ann Abbitt were married at St. Antholin, London in 1720. The name was derived from the Old English ABBOD - abbot. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter, which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat, the flowing and draped garment worn over the armour. The acquisition of surnames in Europe and England, during the last eight hundred years has been affected by many factors, including social class and social structure, naming practices in cultures and traditions. On the whole the richer and more powerful classes tended to acquire surnames earlier than the working class or the poor, while surnames were quicker to catch on in urban areas than in more sparsely populated rural areas. The bulk of surnames in England were formed in the 13th and 14th centuries. The process started earlier and continued in place names into the 19th century, but the norm is that in the 11th century people did not have surnames, whereas by the 15th century they did.

The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884.